Barbara Ann Connelly

July 24, 1933-February 23, 2018 (Age 84)

Portland, OR:

Barbara was preceded in death by her 4 siblings, Grace, Matthew, Elizabeth and Dorothy.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Mary and Cheryle, her grandson, Devon and her granddaughter, Tessa.

Barbara was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 24, 1933. After graduating from high school Barbara joined the Air Force. Once honorably discharged she met and married her husband Robert and had her daughter Mary. In 1972 she adopted her daughter Cheryle. She attained her Masters Degree in teaching and taught elementary through junior high for nearly 30 years. She was also a celebrated storyteller and could captivate an audience whenever she was asked to spin a tale. Upon retirement she enjoyed various volunteer opportunities and enjoyed raising her grandson Devon.

Barbara loved to travel and her various trips took her to Ireland, Scotland, England, China, Russia, Egypt and several destinations in the United States. Her family enjoys many fond memories of the slide shows from her globetrotting.

Barbara was loving and kind and had a wicked sense of humor. She always found a way to bring joy to a person’s day and a joke to be played. Upon her death many people spoke of her ability to brighten their day with a story, joke or kind word.

Barbara loved a good party and her favorite days of the year were St. Patrick’s Day, as she was Irish down to the marrow in her bones, and April Fool’s Day, because nothing could be better than a whole day dedicated to practical jokes and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, 2625 Zanker Rd., San Jose, CA 95134.